Project Network program is a residential program with a focus on the African American community for women in recovery dealing with alcohol/drug issues who are with their small children.

The Childcare Provider provides educational, psycho-social learning services for children living in a residential substance abuse treatment setting. Responsibilities include ensuring a safe, secure environment, meeting the age appropriate, individual needs of each child, and communicating status and needs reports to the child's parents and to program staff.

Location: This position is based in NE Portland. 

Pay: $20.30 starting hourly pay. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides close supervision to a group of children in an assigned classroom (defined by child's age). Attends to the safety and well-being of children while parents are attending group sessions and other clinical services. Duties may include dressing children, changing diapers, observing, and monitoring children's independent play activities, as well as instructing children in age-appropriate health and personal habits such as eating, resting and toilet habits.
• Gives consistent age and culturally appropriate support and nurturing care to each child. Treats each child with respect and compassion, providing discipline that is positive and does not resort to physical force or restraint. Maintains awareness of children's cognitive and developmental levels and implements age, cultural and developmentally appropriate activities. Supports each child's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts. Models interactive communication and assertive discipline (positive reinforcement).
• Work with Supervisor and clinical staff to plan and develop activities for the children receiving services, including weekly activity plans in accordance with program policies. Activities include circle time, story time, dramatic play, early learning and field trips.
• Completes an equal share of housekeeping responsibilities with other program staff, keeping work area clean, including required sanitization of toys and materials, and in compliance with all licensing and regulatory agencies. Coordinate snacks for children. Assists Supervisor in maintaining supplies and equipment, including inventory and purchasing.
• Takes appropriate steps to aid ill or injured children, immediately assessing the nature and seriousness of the illness or injury, providing first aid if necessary, notifying the parent as soon as is reasonable, and submitting required documentation prior to the end of the work shift.
• Maintains daily documentation, in accordance with program policies, regarding concerns and observations of children's' development. Creates Microsoft Word and Excel documents.  They are also responsible for daycare notes and inputting daycare hours into excel spreadsheet for billing.
• Serves as a role model for each child's parent regarding healthy limit-setting (structure) and respectful communication (nurture) that is appropriate to the child's developmental stages.
• Must be able to transport clients in a LifeWorks NW van.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED, preferably with coursework in child development. Bachelor's degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education preferred.
• 1 - 3 years prior childcare experience in a childcare setting with infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers required.
• Experience in the care of special needs, high risk and/or drug/alcohol exposed infants and children preferred. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with racially and culturally diverse children and their families.
• Familiarity with the local community and understanding recovery as it relates to women and children.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally competent service to internal and external contacts.
• Ability to drive clients in a LifeWorks NW vehicle is required. Must have a valid driver's license (out of state is fine), must be 21 years old or older, and must be able to meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements. 

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

www.lifeworksnw.org

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